Hydrophilic cotton pad for skin care comprising two different external surfaces

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a hydrophilic cotton pad for skin-care exhibiting a specific surface weight of at least 150 g/m 2 , and having two different outer sides of which the fibers are entangled. 
     In the invention, the first outer side has hollow striae apart by a spacing s 1  between 1 and 8 mm and having a depth d of at least 0.25 mm and wherein at least 50% of the fibers are entangled. 
     The pad of the invention is used to apply skin-care products, such as cosmetics, to the skin.

The present invention relates to a hydrophilic, skin-care cotton padexhibiting a minimum specific surface weight of 150 g/m² and having twodifferent outer sides.

Hereafter, the expression “hydrophilic cotton pad” encompasses anyproduct cut into a given format and substantially containing cottonfibers in a proportion of 70 to 100% and synthetic fibers in aproportion of 0 to 30%. Illustratively, the latter fibers arepolyolefin-based heat-melting fibers.

Skin-care includes body care, face care, and in particular, careinvolving cosmetics, namely face make-up and make-up removal, baby care,namely washing and changing the infant, and the like.

Most hydrophilic cotton products or pads on the market are cut intoformats, for example, circular (make-up remover disks), oval or square.They frequently are a mixture of cotton fibers of different grades orare a mixture of cotton fibers and other fibers depending on the desiredproduct or the particular manufacturing method. Their composition ishomogeneous across their entire thickness and their outer sides areidentical in structure and composition. They are symmetrical.

Most often both product sides are used for the same purpose. The surfacecondition is the same on both sides. Illustratively, one side isarbitrarily used for make-up removal or skin cleansing using a make-upremover or skin lotion and the other side to pick up the product excesswithout there being a difference in the effectiveness between the twosides. If a cosmetic product such as a lotion or an emulsion is appliedto the skin, much of this product will be absorbed by the pad.

Some marketed products for cosmetic use are, fitted with two differentouter sides. These are called dual-faced. However, these sides oftenonly differ visually, not inevitably functionally.

A first pad (D) includes a lap consisting of superposed external websand this lap in turn is sandwiched between two previously calenderedouter non-woven plies. The combination of these plies may be implementedadhesively. The two external plies may be made different from each otherby varying the calendering and, if called for, by imprinting differentpatterns on each side.

Another pad (E) also consists of a lap of superposed non-woven plies onwhich is deposited a hydro-entangled non-woven prior to cutting.

When these webs are 100% cotton fiber, the hydro-entangled non-woven isa mixture of artificial and synthetic fibers and more specifically ofviscose and polyester.

The nature of the surface non-woven therefore is different from thecentral lap in the case just above.

Other two-sided products have been described in the prior art.

In the field of non-wovens for example, European Patent Application No.0 750 062 describes skin-cleansing articles which are both soft to theskin and sufficiently strong to rub the skin with them withoutirritation or lesions. Rubbing allows removing impurities and dead cellsfrom the skin surface. These articles include a preferablyhydro-entangled non-woven substrate which exhibits a specific surfaceweight between 20 and 150 g/m² and which is characterized by a specificcoefficient of friction. Preferably the substrate includes at least somelong fibers which are able to extricate themselves from the main surfaceon account of friction while remaining attached to the substrate. Thesubstrate may consist of a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibersor solely of hydrophilic or hydrophobic fibers. At least one side ofsuch a substrate implements mostly skin cleansing. It also acts as asupport for cleansing products or make-up removers such as lotions. Inthe event the skin-cleaning article has two different sides, thenon-woven substrate is combined with other layers made of differentmaterial. If the cleansing article only consists of the non-wovensubstrate, the two sides are identical and hence are not differentiatedfrom each other. In that case, the article will be akin to a dry tissueof which the two sides can be used arbitrarily for skin cleansing.

French Patent No. 2,052,089 describes a plain cotton or a surgicalcotton element consisting of at least two layers of different grades andjoined to each other by stuffing or by compression while remaining softand bulky when in contact with the skin. One of the sides isspecifically intended for pre-removal of make-up and the other for thefinal removal of make-up. In this design the two sides are different inthe kind or grade of the two layers. They may be different or made ofthe same materials but of different grades. This is a composite product.

In its French Patent Application No. 99 07612 (not yet published),applicant describes a product including 100% hydrophilic cotton andhaving at least a first and a second external layer, the first layerbeing of fine fibers of a low micronaire index and the second layerbeing of fibers of a higher micronaire index constituting a so-called“scratching” cleansing side. The sides differ by the nature of thecotton fibers.

The object of European Patent Application No. 0 405 043 is a pad withwhich to apply and/or remove liquid or semi-solid substances and whichhas at least three superposed layers made of a fibrous, absorbingmaterial such as cotton. Each of the two outer layers is compressed bypressure being applied uniformly to the whole layer surface and mayinclude additional compression zones due to imprinting a pattern. Thecentral layer is uncompressed and constitutes the absorbing core of thepad. The three layers are superposed to subtend a sandwich structure.The two outer sides may have different patterns and may be compressedmore or less. This product is designed to apply a cream or a liquid butis too weak for make-up removal or skin cleansing. Frictional forces areexerted on the skin by the pad which furthermore supports a wettingsubstance on its surface. Also, the cohesion between the layers isinsufficient on account of the sandwich structure of this design. Thereare three superposed and distinct layers connected at their rims.

In light of the above state of the art, there is no extant “thick”hydrophilic product or pad at present that exhibits a specific surfaceweight of at least 150 g/m² and is strong enough to efficiently cleansethe skin without irritation and has two different outer sides exhibitingdifferent features and properties.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pad ofwhich the two outer sides are mutually different without modifyingeither the nature of the cotton fibers or the quality of the cottonlayers, differentiation taking place solely not only at the pad'ssurfaces but also for one of the sides within the pad thickness.

Another object of the invention is to provide a strong pad of goodcohesion.

Yet another object of the present invention is a hydrophilic cotton padexhibiting a specific surface weight of at least 150 g/m² and includingtwo distinct sides, one for skin-care, in particular skin cleansing andapplying make-up and/or make-up removal cosmetics, while the other sideis softer and more absorbing and is used to absorb the surplus of anapplied product.

As regards make-up removal, the pad should optimize cleansing efficiencywhen using make-up removing products, namely a single motion on the skinshould suffice, in particular when using that side of the pad which isdesigned for such a purpose.

The user can tell during use which side is which, namely by the sense oftouch, or by contact with the skin, or by applying skin-care products tothe skin, and also visually.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pad of which theskin-care side accepts aqueous cosmetics while retarding theirabsorption and their penetration into the pad.

Yet another object of the invention is to create simple padmanufacturing procedures while circumventing composite cotton laps ofcomplex structures.

The object of the present invention is a hydrophilic cotton pad used forskin-care and exhibiting a minimum specific surface weight of 150 g/m²and including two different outer sides of which the fibers are linked.

In an essential feature of the present invention, the first outer sideincludes hollow striae which are mutually apart by a spacing s₁ from 1to 8 mm and are of a depth d of at least 0.25 mm, and the tensilestrength of the pad is at least 20 N in the direction of motion and atleast 16 N in the direction transverse thereto as determined by a testfurther described below.

In another essential feature of the present invention, the first outerside includes hollow striae which are mutually apart by a spacing s₁between 1 and 8 mm and are of a depth d of at least 0.25 mm and whereinat least 50% of the fibers are entangled.

In one advantageous feature of the invention, the spacing s₁ between thestriae of the first side is between 1.2 mm and 5.5 mm and preferablybetween 2 and 4 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the depth d of thestriae of the first side is at least 0.40 mm and preferably at least0.50 mm.

In another feature of the invention, at least 60% of the pad fibers areentangled.

In order to raise the efficiency of applying to the skin such aqueousproducts as cosmetics, or of cleansing the skin using aqueous make-upremoval products, the first outer pad surface includes an agent forretarding the absorption of aqueous products.

The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the hydrophiliccotton pad of the invention.

A first method involves providing a cotton lap, hydroentangling a firstouter side of the lap by using water jets of mutually spaced apart axesby a spacing between 1 and 5.5 mm and with an applied energy density ofat least 1.4×10⁻³ kwh/m², and hydroentangling the outer side of the lapusing water jets of which the axes are mutually apart by a spacingbetween 0.4 and 1.2 mm at an applied energy density of at least 0.9×10⁻³kwh/m².

A second method involves providing at least two laps of hydrophiliccotton based on bleached fibers configured into laps or into bleachedlaps, marking the first lap in a manner to imprint striae mutually apartbetween 1 and 8 mm and exhibiting a depth of at least 0.25 mm at oneouter side of the first lap, the imprint pressure being sufficient toattain a pad strength in the direction of motion of at least 20 N and ofat least 16 N in the direction transverse thereto as measured in aprocedure described further below, in marking or consolidating thesecond lap and in combining the two laps so made, the two marked and/orconsolidated laps being configured on the outside of the pad.

Other features and advantages of the invention are elucidated in thedescription below and in relation to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a pad of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section along line II—II of the pad shown inFIG. 1,

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the pad shown in FIG. 2 in the vicinityof a stria and corresponds to the hydroentangling procedure,

FIG. 3B is an enlargement of a pad of another embodiment using themarking technique, and

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D represent different surface conditions illustratingpads of the invention.

The pad of the invention is a round, oval, square cutout, or any othershape. Its specific surface weight is between 150 and 400 g/m²,preferably between 180 and 300 g/m². It is based on cotton andessentially comprises absorbing hydrophilic cotton fibers. Morespecifically, it contains 70 to 100% homogeneous cotton fibers and 0 to30% artificial fibers such as those of viscose, of synthetic fibers suchas of polyester, binary fibers (polyester/polyester,polypropylene/polypropylene or polyester/polypropylene), or mixturesthereof.

The pad comprises one lap composed of one or more layer(s) constitutedof cotton fibers. The pad also can comprise two superposed layers eachconstituted of a cotton lap. The pad also can comprise three layers, acentral one of a lap of cotton fibers and two outer ones,illustratively, of cotton webs and enclosing the central layer.

In the pad's embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 3B, the pad 1comprises a first outer side 2, 2′ and a second outer side 3, 3′. Thefirst outer side 2, 2′ comprises striae 4, 4′; 5, 5′ and 6, 6′ which inthis instance run parallel to each other. The spacings s₁ between thestriae is between 1 and 8 mm, preferably between 1.2 and 5.5 mm and inparticular between 2 and 4 mm. The stria depth d is at least 0.25 mm,preferably at least 0.50 mm. The striae subtend troughs 7, 7′ and peaks8, 8′ which are visible to the naked eye. The second outer side 3, 3′also is fitted with striae 9 and 10 which are much finer and closer toeach other. The spacing s₂ between the striae of this second surface isbetween 0.4 and 1.2 mm.

The stria depth is less at the second side than on the first. In somepad designs, it will be about 0.1 mm.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate other embodiments of the pad of theinvention.

At the surface of the first outer side 2, 2′, the stria can constituteuninterrupted lines as in FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, or isolated lines as inFIG. 4C, straight lines as in FIG. 1, curved lines as in FIG. 4A ormathematically discontinuous lines as in FIG. 4B. No matter how they areconfigured and distributed, or whatever their geometries, it isimportant that the striae's comprise a number of peaks and troughs atthe first pad side.

The pad of the invention offers another essential feature, namelyespecially high tensile strength both in the direction of motion and inthe transverse direction thereto as compared to that of known products.Because of this strength, the pad will not warp when being used.

In the description below, the tensile strength is that measured on atest specimen and in the manner elucidated below.

Samples 57 mm long and 25 mm wide are cut from the pads of theinvention. A first set of samples is cut out in a way to secure thegreatest sample length in the direction of motion for the purpose ofmeasuring its strength in that direction. A second set of samples is cutout to attain the greatest sample length in the transverse direction totest its strength transversely.

Tensile strength is measured using a dynamometer.

Tensile strength of the pads of the invention is measured in the mannernow explained. The sample is placed between two jaws 30 mm apart in thelength direction of the sample. The jaws are moved apart at a rate of100 mm/min and the maximum force exerted before rupture is measured.This maximum force is the tensile strength.

Tensile strength is measured on the following pads:

-   -   Pads A of the invention consisting 100% of cotton fibers,    -   Pads B also consisting 100% of cotton fibers and manufactured by        applicant based on laps described in European Patent No. 0 681        621 and marketed under the name of LOTUS®,    -   Pads C consisting 100% of cotton fibers from laps manufactured        according to European Patent Application No. 0 735 175 and        marketed under the name DEMAK′UP®,    -   Pads D consisting 100% of cotton fibers and comprising an        uncompressed central lap and two marked and calendered webs        enclosing the central lap,    -   Pads E consisting of a lap itself made up of superposed webs, a        hydroentangled non-woven of viscose and polyester fibers being        deposited before cutout on the lap, and    -   Pads F consisting of 15% heat-melting fibers and 85% cotton        fibers, the layers being alike and lacking surface patterns.

The pads B, C, D, E and F are those of the state of the art.

The mean test results are listed in the Table below.

A B C D E F Tensile strength in 25 10 11 10 13 9 direction of motion (N)Tensile strength in 20 4 6 4 4 4 transverse direction (N)

The tensile strength in the direction of motion and in the transversedirection exhibited by the pads of the invention, i.e. pads A, muchexceed those of the pads B, C, D, E and F. In use, such strength isreflected by the pad's lack of warping.

The pads of the invention exhibit a tensile strength of at least 20Newtons in the direction of motion and at least 15 Newtons in thetransverse direction thereto.

Be it also borne in mind that the tensile strength in the transversedirection exhibited by pads A of the invention approaches that of thetensile strength in the direction of motion. The product of theinvention is homogeneous and advantageously offers some symmetry betweentensile strength and warping on one hand and on the other as regards thetwo directions. This product is dubbed “square”.

Elongation when subjected to a force of 5 Newtons also was measuredusing the same material as was used for the tensile strength tests.

The percentage test results shown in the Table below are for thedirection of motion.

A B C D E F Elongation at 5 1.42 3.16 1.84 6.4 3.9 0.98 N (%)

The less the elongation, the less the pad's warping.

Be it borne in mind that, as regards the pads consisting 100% of cottonfibers, the least elongation takes place in the pads of the invention.

Still another essential feature of the pad is the percentage ofentangled fibers compared with known hydrophilic cotton pads.

As regards the pads of the invention, at least 50%, and preferably atleast 60%, of the fibers are entangled.

In order to illustrate the quantity of entangled fibers, the weight ofentangled fibers was measured at the pad surface by the techniquedescribed below.

The test samples are disk-shaped pads about 57 mm in diameter. That partof the disk corresponding to the entangled fibers is carefully separatedby manually removing the free fibers which do not impede this removal.Then the remaining disk part is measured. The measured weightcorresponds to the entangled fibers quantity.

Tests were run on pads A, B, C, D and E.

The test results are shown in the Table below.

A B C D E Weight of 0.37 0.15 0.13 0.05-0.08 0.09 entangled fibers (g)Related specific 150 61 52 20-30 37 surface weight

The quantity of entangled fibers in the pad of the invention is largerby a factor of 2, even 3, relative to the case of the quantity ofentangled fibers of the pads of the state of the art. As regards thefirst side, the surface fibers are affixed at least at one point withinthe pad's thickness. In this manner the first pad side can be structuredand a permanent topography imparted to it.

This feature is a surprising result and endows the lap with excellentcohesion.

The cohesion of the pad of the invention is clearly improved over thatof the pads of the state of the art.

In order to show such cohesion, the delamination strength of pads A ofthe invention as well as that of pads B, C, D and E of the state of theart was measured. All these pads are disks about 57 mm in diameter.

Delamination strength is measured as follows:

-   -   the same equipment as in the tensile strength tests was used,        though the jaws were replaced by plates,    -   a tape with adhesive on both sides is placed on each plate,    -   the cotton disk is directly placed on the adhesive of the lower        plate,    -   the two plates are mutually compressed,    -   the two plates are moved apart at a rate of 100 mm/min as far as        a distance of 30 mm, and    -   the maximum force required to delaminate the disk is measured.

The Table below lists the test results.

A B C D E F Delamination 0.73 0.62 0.55 0.49 0.01 0.74 strength (N)

The Table shows a clear improvement in delamination strength in the padsof the invention consisting 100% of cotton fibers over that of pads B,C, D and E of the state of the art which consist 100% of cotton fibers.Pads A of the invention in this instance consist 100% of cotton fibersand offer a delamination strength similar to that of a product (pad F)consisting 15% of heat-melting fibers and 85% of cotton fibers.

As regards pad E, the adhesion between the lap of webs and thehydroentangled lap is especially weak.

The first side of the pad of the invention is much freer of fluff thansome known products.

The fluffing strength was measured at the first side of pad A of theinvention and of pads B, C, D, E and F of the state of the art using aparticular procedure elucidated below. The pads are discoid and theirdiameter is about 57 mm.

This procedure uses a rubber stub mounted on a cylinder to simulaterubbing the skin. This stub is driven into motion so as to rest on itssurface and then move on it. The washer-shaped pad is placed on a plateof which the surface is clad with TEFLON. Then the pad is fixed in placeby another plate being superposed on it, the latter plate exhibiting a Ucutout to allow passing the stub, the cutout baring part of the pad. Thenumber of stub passes is adjusted, also the speed, and a counterweightapplied to the stub sets its load.

During testing, the stub is deposited and then moved five consecutivetimes on the pad surface. Fibers then will detach from the pad surfaceand will accumulate on the stub. Following the five passes, the fibersretained by the stub are recovered using tweezers and these recoveredfibers then are placed on a watch glass. This procedure is repeated for5 pads of each of the types A, B, C, D, E and F. The fibers so recoveredfrom five pads are weighed on a balance sensitive to one tenth of a mg.Each kind of pad A, B, C, D, E and F was tested.

As regards the A pads, both the first outer side A1 and the second outerside A2 were tested.

As regards the E pads, the side corresponding to the hydroentangled webE1 as well as the other side E2 were tested.

The mean weights are shown in the Table below.

A1 A2 B C D E1 E2 F Weight of 5 50 50 50 30 3.5 480 55 extracted fibers(10⁻⁴ g)

Relative to the measured weight of the pads B, C, D and F, the weight ofthe fibers of the first side of the pads of the invention is one-tenth.Pad E exhibits one hardly fluffy surface because of the presence of thenon-woven, but it also exhibits another excessively fluffy side comparedto the second side of the pad of the invention. The lowering offluffiness is therefore substantial for the pad of the invention. Theweight of the discoid cotton pads presently in use varies between 0.5and 0.7 g. The fibers extracted from the first side (A1) of the five Apads of the invention therefore correspond to 0.1% of the weight of padA. By comparison, the fibers extracted from the five pads each time ofthe B, C, D and F types of the state of the art amount to 1% of theweight of the corresponding pads.

This result is unexpected and very advantageous.

Accordingly, the first side of the pad exhibits a new structure offeringadvantageous properties.

Actually the pad of the invention offers many practical advantages.

The first side is used to apply skin-care products to the skin.

In case the skin is cleansed or its make-up is removed, this cosmetic isapplied to the first pad side which next is moved over the skin or theface.

A single pad pass is sufficient, rubbing is superfluous. As aconsequence skin irritation is avoided.

The stria-fitted first side structure advantageously subtends atroughs-and-peaks topography. The area making contact with the skin isrelatively limited on account of the topography.

The topography's salients increase the pressure applied to the skin andrubbing. The rubbing effect so attained improves cleansing. The troughsact as additional stores of the available product.

When the pad is moved over the skin, the troughs first fill with and actas storage devices for the product which will spread when the pad makescontact with the skin on account of the application pressure, andthereafter the troughs act as impurity collecting devices as the pad ismoved over the skin. The cleansing implemented by the first passtherefore is optimized.

When the stria are arrayed in a mutually parallel manner, the padpreferably is moved on the skin perpendicularly to the striae of thefirst side.

The second side is used to absorb impurities, excess product and make-upremnants on the skin.

The product when being used will not warp and allows for excellentgripping.

In a particular application, namely that of nail varnish removal, thesolvent, which conventionally penetrates the pad, enters it less indepth and is more easily returned during cleansing thanks to the morecompact geometry of the first pad side and to the fibers tightenedwithin the pad's thickness. In this way the solvent is used moreefficiently to dissolve the varnish on the nails.

Another effect was found by the persons testing the pad of theinvention.

The topography of the first side in contact with the skin provides amassaging effect due to the pad motion and relaxes the skin.

In order to improve on the use of aqueous skin-care products such astoiletry products, make-up and make-up removing products, the firstouter side can include an agent retarding the absorption of suchproducts and thus allows temporarily keeping the applied products at thepad's surface, i.e. without immediately penetrating inside the pad.

Combining the structure of the above described first side with this newproperty of absorption retardation of aqueous products leads to a highperformance product.

The absorption retarding agent is based on softeners or waxes or also acomponent adhering to the fibers.

Such absorption retarding agents when applied in small doses toconventionally hydrophilic and absorbing cotton products surprisinglyretards the absorption of aqueous products at the surface of cottonproducts.

Softeners for example include fatty amines, fatty acids, fatty alcohols,fatty esters, fatty polyethylenes or polyamides or their mixtures.

Components adhering to the fibers illustratively are complex metal saltsof stearic acid, perfluorinated derivatives, zirconium salts and alsosilicones.

The wax-based components are wax and paraffin emulsions or wax emulsionsalone.

Preferably the agent is an emulsion of a natural wax, of mineral,vegetal or animal origin.

Illustratively animal waxes are spermacetic wax and beeswax.

Illustrative vegetal waxes are carnauba wax and candelilla wax.

Ceresin and azocerite are examples of mineral waxes.

The emulsion of beeswax is especially advantageous and appropriate forthe cosmetic application of the pad. This component has been testeddermatologically. It is a cation emulsion of bleached beeswax containingbeeswax, water, emulsifiers, glyceryl stearate and diethanolaminoetherstearate.

Beeswax per se is composed of esters of wax fatty acids such as myricylpalmitate, cerotic acid and other homologous waxy acids and smallquantities of hydrocarbons, cholesterol esters and cerylic alcohols.

The retarding agent is an emulsion or dispersion containing at least 30%active ingredient.

The first side of the product or pad of the invention contains at least1 g/m² of applied emulsion, that is at least 0.3 g/m² of depositedactive ingredients.

The first side fitted at its surface with such a retarding agent offershighly advantageous properties.

It delays penetration by aqueous products applied into the pad'ssurface.

Penetration by skin-care products such as skin lotions, make-up removersetc. is a major drawback of conventional hydrophilic cotton pads.Skin-care or cosmetic products are wasted or used uneconomically, andsometimes they pass through the pad. Skin cleansing remains less thanoptimal.

Using the processing of the invention for the first pad side, temporarywater impermeability is created and allows quasi-spontaneous absorptionof aqueous products in the hydrophilic cotton fibers as soon as they aredeposited on the pad.

A simple test showing there is such a property consists in depositing onone hand pads of the invention processed in said manner, at the surfaceof a water filled receptacle and at ambient temperature (about 20° C.),the processed surface facing outward and the absorbent surface towardthe water, and on the other hand conventional B and C pads. The pads ofthe invention remain at the water surface at least 5 minutes, whereasthose of the state of the art almost at once impregnate with water andimmerse very quickly into it, in general after 3 to 5 seconds.

The advantage offered by the invention therefore is to keep the productsat the surface longer and to make use of all the product deposited onthe pad for skin-care, without loss of product or without warping thispad.

An in-house test run at applicant's premises involved 25 persons usuallyusing C pads exclusively made of hydrophilic cotton for skin-care,make-up removal etc.

Pads A of the invention of which the first side was processed with anabsorption-retarding agent were compared with pads of the invention ofwhich the first side was unprocessed and with pads C of the state of theart.

The following observations were made.

As regards the pads of the invention of which the first side wasunprocessed, 50% of the persons noted a delay in absorption of theskin-care products deposited on the surface of these pads. This featureis attributed to the specific structure of the first side of the pads ofthe invention, the fibers being packed more tightly within the pad'sthickness.

As regards the pads of the invention of which the first side wasprocessed, a near totality of the persons, namely 92%, observed thepad's retardation of skin-care product absorption delay.

Also 50% of these persons noted improvement in skin cleansing using thepads of the invention when the first side was unprocessed. As regardsthe pads of the invention of which the first side was processed, thenumber of persons noting an improvement in cleansing was 92%.

Lastly and as regards make-up removal, 50% of the persons noted improvedmake-up removal when using the pads of the invention of which the firstside had been left unprocessed. Improved make-up removal was noted by85% for those pads of the invention of which the first side had beenprocessed.

Similar advantages were noted when using make-up products such aslotions, creams, make-up bases, rouge, when applying and spreading theproduct on the skin.

These persons also advantageously used the product of the invention whenapplying perfumes such as toilet waters. The immediate absorption ofsuch toilet waters into the pad is averted in comparison with such anapplication to the cotton products of the prior state of the art.

Two manufacturing methods are available for the pad of the invention.

A first technique involves differentiating between the two pad sides byhydroentangling each of the sides according to different parameters.

A first procedure involves lapping at least two cotton fiber lapsconstituting the two outer layers. These laps can be made of the same orof different fiber qualities. They can be made directly from bleachedand hydrophilic cotton. They also can be made from raw and ecru cottonand then are chemically processed to attain the hydrophilic and bleachedproperties. They are then superposed and combined by any known means,adhesively or mechanically, such as calendering or needling. Also thecombination can be implemented hydraulically.

Good combination also can be attained by conventionally impregnating thesuperposed laps, for example by immersion into an impregnation bath, byatomization, by pouring a solution. Such impregnation is combined withsqueeze compacting the lap and eliminating part of the liquid itpreviously contained, for example by calendaring or passing through avacuum slot.

A second technique involves preparing a lap of cotton fiberspneumatically and in configuring this lap between two cotton webs. Oneprocedure continuously manufacturing and combining webs is described inapplicant's European Patent No. 0 681 621.

In the latter case, the impregnation of the lap enclosed by the two websand implemented during the various chemical processing procedurescontributes to combining the layers.

Hydroentangling allows both combining the layers and the two laps and tolink the surfaces of the lap. Specific hydroentangling parameters areselected for the first outer side and more conventional hydroentanglingparameters are used for the other side. As a result, a single techniqueallows carrying out three different functions: combining the layers orlaps, entangling the fibers and differentiating the two outer sides.Hydroentangling is implemented by high pressure water jets incombination with vacuum expression using equipment marketed byICBT-PERFOJET at Grenoble, France.

In the case of an ecru fiber to be treated chemically, the twohydroentangling stages for processing each of the product's outer sidescan take place immediately following the lap impregnation stage in themanner described in European Patent Application No. 0 735 175. The twohydroentangling stages also can be scheduled for the final rinsing stageas disclosed in applicant's European Patent No. 0 805 888. The advantageoffered by either procedure is to directly differentiate in-line the twosides by hydroentangling.

The two outer sides are hydroentangled according to different parameterson endless cloths or on cylinders.

The high pressure water jets used to entangle the outer side fibers markthe surfaces of these sides with striae visible to the naked eye. Morespecifically, the hydroentangling equipment comprises a high pressurepump feeding an injector configured transversely to the path of the lapacross its full width. The injector subtends a pressurized volume ofwater closed by a steel strip perforated with gauge holes generatingjets in the form of high pressure, fine water needles pointingorthogonally to the outer side surface. These fine jets entangle thefibers and drive the free surface fibers into the product's thickness.

By varying the distance between the axes of the holes and the holediameters and by selecting a particular applied energy for a givenhydroentangling equipment processing one outer side relative to theother equipment processing the other outer side, the two outer productsides will be differentiated.

Illustratively as regards the first outer side, hydroentanglingequipment can be used of which the strip perforations are much apart,namely from 1 to 5.5 mm and preferably between 2 and 4 mm. The stripperforations exhibit diameters between 130 and 200 μm, preferablybetween 140 and 170 μm, and are arrayed regularly. If the injectorposition is fixed and the cotton layers move underneath it, the productsurface exhibits a series of parallel striae or grooves corresponding tothe motion underneath the jets. The applied pressure is high, at least40 bars and preferably is between 50 and 80 bars in order to impartdepth to the striae. These striae are the result of compressing, drivingand affixing the fibers in the lap's thickness. In order to implementthe striae, the energy applied is at least 1.4×10⁻³ kwh/m² and can varybetween 1.4×10⁻³ and 2.5×10⁻³ kwh/m² depending on speed, pressure,diameter of perforations and distance between them.

By varying the injector position or by displacing or causing the stripto vibrate, different striae geometries can be attained (for exampleFIG. 4A). Moreover, masks can be placed underneath the strip to closecertain perforations into a specific geometry in order to configure thestriae in the manner shown in FIG. 4C.

The first side which was hydroentangled in this manner offers a compact,“highly structured” appearance, namely a peaks-and-troughs topography.The surface grade so attained will not fluff at all.

Hydroentangling equipment implementing conventional parameters is usedfor the second outer side and comprises a strip perforated by holesmutually apart by 0.4 to 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.4 and 0.9 mm. Thehole diameter can range from 100 to 130 μm.

The applied pressures used at speeds similar to those used in processingthe first side are moderate, namely from 20 to 40 bars. Thecorresponding applied energy is then between 0.9×10⁻³ and 1.6×10⁻³kwh/m².

The stria made in the second side are much finer and also are shallow.The second outer side looks less compacted, with a soft and absorbingsurface. It lacks a topography visible to the naked eye.

The two sides so made look basically different.

Additional differentiation can be introduced by impressing markings ofdifferent patterns from those of the extant striae on the first side.

A second method for manufacturing the pad of the inventiondifferentiates the two pad sides by markings.

Two laps are prepared from bleached fibers which are congregated intolaps or bleached laps. Next they are each marked by being made to passbetween an engraved cylinder with a pattern in the form of peaks andtroughs and a smooth mating part and in this manner the pattern isimpressed into the lap's thickness and constitutes a peaks-and-troughspattern of relative depths at the surface of the laps which correspondto the pad's outer sides. The marking pressures exerted by the cylinderssuffice to attain the expected pad strengths, that is, at least 20 N inthe direction of motion and at least 16 N transversely thereto asmeasured in the above test procedure.

The laps can contain heat-melting, synthetic fibers. They are compressedusing heated calenders, whereby the fibers are linked by the meltingheat-melting fibers, and cohesion is improved.

The first lap can be marked using a cylinder illustratively comprisingmutually parallel salient bands perpendicular to the cylinder's axis andshaping parallel striae in the product surface, the strips being apartby 1 to 8 mm, preferably 2 to 4 mm. The height of the bandscorresponding to the stria depths is at least 0.25 mm and preferably atleast 0.50 mm.

The second side can be marked using a cylinder illustratively comprisingmutually parallel salient bands perpendicular to the cylinder axes andmutually apart by 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The band height is less than 0.25 mm.

By means of marking, arbitrary geometries and distribution of the striaecan be considered, in particular with respect to the first lap's surfacein order to constitute a peaks-and-troughs topography on the first side.

FIG. 4D shows an illustrative marking pattern. The circles correspondingto the imprinted pattern constitute hollows at the pad surface.

In another embodiment, the second side can be calendered in the absenceof a marking pattern or it can be consolidated by any known means suchas hydroentangling, binder atomization, heating any heat-melting fibers.

The two laps thusly marked and/or combined are superposed in such a waythat the marked and/or combined surfaces are situated externally.Illustratively they are combined by adhesion using starch.

When the product that becomes the pad of the invention is beingmanufactured, the first outer side is processed to retard the absorptionof the aqueous products (skin-care products and the like) for purposesof cosmetic pad use.

Following the impregnation stages but before or after drying, the firstside is processed by applying to it an agent retarding aqueous productabsorption as described above. Illustratively, a wax emulsion is appliedat a rate of at least 1 g/m², so that at least 0.3 g/m² of activeingredient (wax) is deposited.

This surface processing is carried out in any conventional manner suchas atomization through nozzles, coating using a cylinder, rotogravureprinting and the like.

Having different sides, the products so made then are cut to format andpacked in flexible pouches.

Be it borne in mind that on account of the novel structure of the firstpad side and its surface condition, the stacked pads are more easilyisolated from each other. It is much easier to extract them one afterthe other from their package once the package aperture has been opened.

1. A hydrophilic cotton pad used for skin-care having a specific surfaceweight of at least 150 g/m², comprising a first outer side and a secondouter side which are different from each other and which each havefibers which are entangled, wherein the first outer side compriseshollow striae spaced apart by a spacing s₁ of between 1 and 8 mm andhave a stria depth d of at least 0.25 mm, and wherein the pad has atensile strength of at least 20 N in a direction of motion and at least16 N in a direction transverse thereto.
 2. A hydrophilic cotton pad forskin-care having a specific surface weight of at least 150 g/m²,comprising a first outer side and a second outer side which aredifferent from each other and which each have fibers which areentangled, wherein the first outer side comprises hollow striae spacedapart by a spacing s₁ of between 1 and 8 mm and have a depth d of atleast 0.25 mm, and wherein at least 50% of the fibers are entangled. 3.Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing s₁ between thestriae of the first outer side is between 1.2 and 5.5 mm.
 4. Pad asclaimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the stria depth d of the first outerside is at least 0.40 mm.
 5. Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein thetensile strength is at least 25 N in the direction of motion and atleast 20 N in the direction transverse thereto.
 6. Pad as claimed inclaim 1 or 2, wherein the second outer side comprises striae which arespaced apart by a spacing s₂ of between 0.4 and 1.2 mm.
 7. Pad asclaimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 60% of the fibers areentangled.
 8. Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the striae of thefirst outer side are continuous, discontinuous, or curved lines.
 9. Padas claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fibers are 100% cotton fibers.10. Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first outer sideor the second outer side comprises an imprint distinct from the striae.11. Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first outer sideincludes an absorption retarding agent for aqueous products.
 12. Pad asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the retarding agent is a composition basedon a softener, or wax.
 13. Pad as claimed in claim 12, wherein theretarding agent is an emulsion of a natural wax, mineral-based wax,vegetal-based wax or an animal-based wax.
 14. Pad as claimed in claim13, wherein the wax emulsion is a beeswax emulsion.
 15. A method formanufacturing a hydrophilic cotton pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2,wherein said method comprises providing a cotton lap, hydroentanglingthe first outer side of said lap using water jets having axes which arespaced apart by a spacing of between 1 and 5.5 mm and which have anapplied energy of at least 1.4×10⁻³ kwh/m², and hydroentangling thesecond outer side of the lap using water jets having axes spaced apartby a spacing of between 0.4 and 1.2 mm and which have an applied energyof at least 0.9×10−3 kwh/m².
 16. A manufacturing method for a pad asclaimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said method comprises providing atleast two hydrophilic cotton laps based on bleached fibers conformedinto laps or bleached laps, marking a first lap such that striae areformed spaced apart from each other by 1 to 8 mm and are at least 0.25mm deep, wherein marking pressure is sufficient to impart to the pad astrength of at least 20 N in a direction of motion and 16 N in adirection transverse thereto, marking or consolidating the second lap,and combining the first lap and the second lap so processed wherein eachside which has been marked and/or consolidated is situated at an outsideof the pad.
 17. Method for manufacturing a pad as claimed in claim 15,further comprising applying an agent for retarding absorption of anaqueous product on the first outer side.
 18. Method for manufacturing apad as claimed in claim 16, further comprising applying an agent forretarding absorption of an aqueous product on the first outer side. 19.Pad as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first outer side serves tocleanse skin by putting a make-up remover or cleansing lotion on saidpad, with the striae initially acting as product storage areas and thenserving to collect impurities, and the second outer side serving toabsorb excess product and impurities.